We are lucky to have so many great watersheds in the Midlands region where kids can explore and enjoy nature -- and you can feel good about social distancing.
Here are five of my family's favorite watersheds in the Columbia area to visit. Don't see your family's favorite Columbia watershed here? Drop me a note at mackidcolumbiasc@macaronikid.com and I'll add it to our list!
Put on your rain boots, don't forget snacks or a picnic basket with cold drinks and sunscreen before heading out to visit any of these Columbia watersheds! And remember, always watch your kids while they're near the water — no matter how shallow it is!
Excerpt from City of Columbia website: Columbia is made up of several watersheds, areas of land that drain to the same waterbody. You can learn more about the watershed you live in and become involved in local watershed organizations.
Broad River Watershed
About the Watershed
- This watershed includes the Broad River, Smith's Branch, Crane Creek and Nicholas Creek.
This watershed includes Rocky Branch, the Congaree River and Reeder Mill Branch. Organizations involved in protecting portions of this watershed include:
| Photo Credit: City of Columbia Utility and Engineering Department |
Congaree Watershed
About the Watershed
- This watershed includes Rocky Branch, the Congaree River and Reeder Mill Branch. Organizations involved in protecting portions of this watershed include:
| Photo Credit: City of Columbia Utility and Engineering Department |
Gills Creek Watershed
About the Watershed
- This watershed includes Gills Creek, Penn Branch, Wildcat Creek and Kilbourne Creek. The Gills Creek Watershed Association works to protect and restore the creeks and streams in the Gills Creek Watershed.
Except from Gill Creek Watershed Plan:
The Gills Creek Watershed Association (GCWA) has, as part of a comprehensive commitment to the environment and community, established a goal and vision for the health and well being of the watershed and its citizens, as follows:
In 2017 the Gills Creek Watershed is a national model for watershed management and planning. Citizens are enjoying the bike and walking trails throughout the watershed and it serves as the basis for an environmental education curriculum for Richland County Schools. All new development is carefully studied for its impact on the watershed and many of the mistakes of the past have been corrected. The stream corridors have received special attention, accommodate diverse wildlife and natural flows and capacities have been restored. Water quality is much improved and best management practices are working. An example is that there has been no net loss of pervious surfaces, in fact, there has been a measurable reduction in impervious surfaces in the past 3 years. Current codes reflect strong support from the public and encourage “green” development. The watershed is litter free and sedimentation in the lakes has been drastically reduced. A task force composed of governmental representatives and citizens is a model for a coordinated approach to planning, regulation and development in an environmentally sensitive area.
| Photo courtesy of Elliott Powell, GCWA |
Lower Saluda River Watershed
About the Watershed
- This watershed includes the Saluda River, Stoops Creek and Kinley Creek.
| Photo courtesy The Lower Saluda River Corridor Plan |
If you live near one of these watershed areas your family could be directly impacted by changes in your local environment. Learning about how watersheds impact your area may provide an opportunity to become involved it preserving your local watershed.
